Reported blockbuster deal could bring former MVP to the New York Yankees
Jul 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

There is a rumored deal in the works involving three teams that could end up bringing Andrew McCutchen to the New York Yankees. 

An interesting rumor to say the least.


According to Brian Bilek, there is a three-way trade in the works that involves Jose Quintana going to the Pittsburgh Pirates, a package of prospects that’s headlined by Tyler Glasnow to Chicago White Sox and Andrew McCutchen to the New York Yankees.

The 29-year old McCutchen has a career .869 OPS, five All-Star appearances, four silver slugger awards, and a gold glove award but he did not perform at that dominant level in 2016.

In 153 games, McCutchen slashed .256/.336/.430 with an OPS of .766 (all career-lows) and set a career high in strikeouts. He did, however, keep up the power numbers with 24 home runs and 26 doubles.

If Cashman gets the 2013 National League MVP version of McCutchen, this deal would be incredible — and possibly warrant the Yankees to deal Brett Gardner

If it goes south in 2017, however, New York could buy him out for a mere $1 million at the cost of highly touted prospects and one year of a washed up All-Star. The centerfielder will make $14 million next season.

Two prospects that the Yankees would have to part with, according to Bilek, would be 2016’s first round pick Blake Rutherford and Miguel Andujar.

Without bringing in any starting pitching, I’m not quite sure if both those rising prospects would be worth two years of a McCutchen that has shown signs of degeneration.

Plus, this deal would fuel an already crowded outfield featuring two in Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury on the decline. Unless starting pitching, like Quintana, is coming to the Bronx is in this picture, this package wouldn’t be sensical.

With that said, this is not a confirmed report. In fact, it’s nothing but a mere rumor generated by an account with an affiliation, but not much of a following. According to the source, this is only the framework in trade talks that are obviously variable.

Proceed this rumor with caution as ESNY keeps an eye on the story and provide up-to-the-minute updates.